Pop Culture Hot List

SI Staff | Feb 4, 2009

Pop Culture Hot List

Kobe Bryant

AP

Kobe Bryant may not end up winning as many championships or individual honors as Michael Jordan did, but Bryant might just be remembered as the most skilled player the game has ever seen. His 61-point performance against the Knicks was not only breathtaking, but also the most points ever scored at Madison Square Garden, which has seen some pretty decent players in its day. Add his 81-point outburst a couple years ago in Los Angeles and it's hard to argue that Bryant isn't at least in the conversation for greatest player of all-time.

Michael Phelps

AP

So Michael Phelps likes to take bong hits between training and throws back a few with the boys. Who cares? Knowing Phelps and his savvy promotional team, I'm sure they'll parlay this into a couple more endorsement deals and the cover of High Times next month.

Super Bowl XLIII

Al Tielemans/SI

Having taken a couple days to sit back and reflect, I still say it was the greatest Super Bowl ever played and will likely stay that way for years. From James Harrison's 100-yard interception return for a touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald's 64-yard sprint to the end zone to Santonio Holmes' acrobatic game-winner in the corner of the end zone. It was an instant classic that will stand the test of time.

Jennifer Hudson and Bruce Springsteen

AP, Bob Rosato/SI

Jennifer Hudson's emotional rendition of the National Anthem, in her first public appearance since her mother, brother, and nephew were murdered in their Chicago home, might have been the best and most emotional rendition of the Anthem ever sung at the Super Bowl. It's right up there with Whitney Houston in 1991. And Bruce Springsteen didn't disappoint in putting on possibly the best halftime show ever.

Barry Zito and Paris Hilton

AP

Zito and Hilton have known each other for years, routinely hanging out and getting cozy around the Hollywood party circuit. The duo reportedly took things a step further recently as they were making out at the opening on new Hollywood hotspot MyHouse. "They've hooked up before at his house," said a source close to the pitcher. "Zito's pad is like Hollywood's after-party house. He's made out with plenty of girls there, but he's not going out with any of them."

Khloe Kardashian and Rashad McCants

AP

While Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian attended each others' Super Bowl parties last week in Tampa, Khloe Kardashian was the only sister not in Florida after recently breaking up with Rashad McCants. "Rashad and I are no longer together," said Kardashian. "Relationships are hard enough as is when you live in the same city, and he's in a different city everyday for games. Our time together was just so limited because of both of our schedules that we decided it is best not to be in a committed relationship. The last seven months have been great and we will definitely remain close friends." Kim Kardashian, who has now been with Bush for nearly two years, said, "Khloe is doing well and both she and Rashad will remain on good terms. My little sis is living and learning. That's what we were all put on this earth to do, right?"

Super Bowl Porno

Bob Rosato/SI

Forget about the Lingerie Bowl, some Arizona residents were able to celebrate Larry Fitzgerald's big fourth quarter touchdown with a 30-second porn clip that accidentally aired during the broadcast. Those viewers inconvenienced by the porn clip will reportedly receive a $10 credit from Comcast. The best Super Bowl ever, a free porn clip, plus $10. Don't you love this country?

David Beckham

New Press/Getty Images

It's time for Beckham to come clean and announce where he wants to play this year. MLS says he's coming back to play for the Galaxy. AC Milan says Becks wants to stay and that it will pay to keep him. While this soap opera is all very intriguing, Becks owes the Galaxy and MLS to announce his intentions sooner rather than later. My guess is he'll opt to stay in Milan and continue playing with players and for coaches he respects.

Lawrence Taylor

Walter Iooss Jr./SI, AP

Leave it to Ashton Kutcher and his Twitter page to break some news during Super Bowl week. Mr. Demi Moore announced that Lawrence Taylor would be on Dancing with the Stars next season, an announcement that L.T.'s people didn't deny. I didn't think it could get any worse than Warren Sapp shaking his rear on the dance floor. Well, I was wrong.

Kendra Wilkinson

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Moving on from the Girls Next Door, Kendra Wilkinson will star in her own reality show called Kendra this summer. Normally this wouldn't qualify as sports news, but one of the main premises of the new show is her engagement to Eagles receiver Hank Baskett and their wedding plans leading up to their June ceremony at the Mansion.